German Christmas Market Huddle - Co-Hosted by Beiersdorf

Networking and Refreshments
09:30 - 10:00

Arrive from 9:30 am to register and gain access to the Huddle to meet fellow Global Mobility professionals and enjoy some morning refreshments.

Welcome and Introduction
10:00 - 10:15

Enjoy a warm welcome from the Expat Academy team. We will run you through the agenda and facilitate networking on your tables with our icebreaker!

Going in Circles
10:15 - 11:15

Are we witnessing genuine innovation in global mobility, or simply recycling solutions through predictable cycles? This interactive session explores whether trends in GM are truly groundbreaking or part of familiar patterns we've seen before. We'll examine what drives these cycles, discuss what might constitute the next genuine breakthrough, and consider whether finding comfort in proven solutions is more valuable than chasing novelty. Join us for an open-ended exploration that challenges assumptions about innovation in our field.

Networking Break
11:15 - 11:45

A chance to refuel and continue the conversations.

The Balancing Act: Flexibility, Equity, and Stakeholder Confidence in Uncertain Times
11:45 - 12:45

Geopolitical turmoil, currency volatility, and shifting cross-border work patterns are making cost management increasingly complex. In this interactive roundtable discussion facilitated by ECA International, we'll tackle the real challenges you're facing: building flexibility into budgets when costs are unpredictable, maintaining equity across diverse mobility types and locations, and communicating changes effectively to both employees and budget holders. Share your approaches, learn from peers, and gain practical strategies for managing uncertainty while keeping all your stakeholders confident in your decisions.

Lunch
12:45 - 13:45

Counselling Corner
13:45 - 14:30

Influenced by attendees on the day, we will break out into topical groups and learn from each other, the experts, and if need be, we’ll get you some contacts to take away to continue the discussions further! Attendees will be contacted closer to the time to see what they want to discuss to match the content of the session to the needs of those joining us!

Redesign Reality Check: From Strategy to Implementation
14:30 - 15:30

Everyone's talking about program redesign, but how do you actually make it happen? In this practical roundtable facilitated by Global Expat Pay, we'll move beyond theory and tackle the real barriers to transformation. Discuss what's genuinely driving your need to redesign - whether it's cost pressures, changing workforce expectations, or operational inefficiencies. Share experiences on navigating stakeholder resistance, working within legacy system constraints, and deciding what to keep versus what to scrap. We'll explore the balance between quick wins that build momentum and long-term structural changes, and how to secure buy-in when budgets are tight and teams are stretched. Leave with practical strategies and peer insights for turning redesign ambitions into reality.

Networking Break
15:30 - 16:00

Another chance to refuel and continue the conversations.

Corporate Updates
16:00 - 16:30

Hear real-world updates from fellow members going through challenges, successes, and learn how they are navigating them.

We'll hear from the wonderful Beiersdorf team, who will be updating us on what challenges and successes their team are experiencing right now!

Perspective Playground
16:30 - 17:00

Get ready to have your perspectives stretched and assumptions challenged in this interactive Huddle session! We'll tackle (each other!) on the generational expectation differences within Global Mobility! You'll challenge fellow attendees in an avantgarde format that pushes us out of conventional thinking through spirited exchanges to strengthen your critical thinking. The session will leave you with new perspectives regarding GM's toughest trade-offs. Join us as we dispel one-track notions and advance as strategic, whole-minded mobility leaders!